There are still no residential rehabilitation beds operational across Grampian, Orkney and Shetland, while just two have been added to the Highlands since 2021, new figures have revealed.
Highlands and Islands MSP Tim Eagle described the statistics as a “shameful” illustration of the SNP government failing to address Scotland’s drug death crisis.
Targets, set out in January 2021, promised to boost the number of residential rehab beds in Scotland by 50% over five years, from 425 to 650 by March 2026.
The plan was supposed to have been backed by a £100 million investment, which was part of the £250m allocated to the national drugs and alcohol deaths mission, designed to fund an increase in beds.
But shock new figures obtained by Highlands and Islands MSP Tim Eagle show Grampian, Orkney and Shetland health boards still don’t have a single rehab bed between them.
Since 2021, just two have been added to NHS Highland facilities, while in the Western Isles, only six have been delivered in this time period.
There are currently 14 rehab beds in the Highlands, 12 in the Western Isles and none in Grampian, Orkney and Shetland.
Scottish Conservative MSP for the Highlands and Islands, Tim Eagle, said: “The SNP government have shamefully failed to address Scotland’s drug deaths crisis.
“These shocking figures show the delivery of rehab beds to those suffering from addiction has been non-existent in large parts of the North and North East, while dreadfully slow in others.
“Drug deaths are Scotland’s national shame, and we must ensure we take the right measures to stop so many families grieving the loss of loved ones.
“The Scottish Government should be focused on delivering more rehab beds and improving access to treatment for those with addiction problems, rather than thinking consumption rooms are the answer.
“John Swinney must show support for our Right to Recovery Bill, which has the backing of experts and would enshrine in law the right of everyone to receive the potentially life-saving treatment they need.”
